The oldest fossil record of bandicoots (Marsupialia; Peramelemorphia) from the late Oligocene of Australia

K. J. Travouillon, R.M.D. Beck, S.J. Hand, and M. Archer

Plain Language Abstract

Two new species of bandicoots (marsupials) are described from fossil deposits in South Australia, aged between 26.1 and 23.6 million years old. These bandicoots are currently the oldest fossils from this group. The two species are quite small, under 250 grams and principally fed on insects. Our analysis of relationships within this group shows that these two species are related to a species from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area (WHA), Queensland, and the Kutjamarpu Local Fauna in South Australia.